Assertive Communication: 20 Helpful Tips

Twenty strategies and approaches to get your needs met in the most effective manner.

Assertiveness

Most of us know that assertiveness will get you further in life than being passive or aggressive. But few of us were actually taught how to be assertive. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Choose the right time

Imagine you're dashing down the hall on your way to a meeting. Lisa passes by. You call out, "Can you have the Microsoft project out by Tuesday?" Because you haven't scheduled a special time to bring up the issue, Lisa has no reason to think your request deserves high priority.

2. Choose the right place

Discuss important issues in a private, neutral location.

3. Be direct

For example, "Lisa, I would like you to work overtime on the Microsoft project." Whether or not Lisa likes your request, she respects you for your directness.

4. Say "I," not "we."

Instead of saying, "We need the project by Tuesday," say, "I would like you to finish the project by Tuesday."

5. Be specific

Instead of, "Put a rush on the Microsoft project," say, "I would like the Microsoft project finished and on Joe's desk by 9:00 Tuesday morning."

6. Use body language to emphasise your words

"Lisa, I need that report Tuesday morning," is an assertive statement. But if you mumble this statement while staring at the floor, undermines any assertiveness in your message.

7. Confirm your request

Ask your staff to take notes at meetings. At the end of each meeting, ask your group to repeat back the specifics that were agreed upon. This minimises miscommunication.

8. Stand up for yourself

Don't allow others to take advantage of you; insist on being treated fairly. Here are a few assertiveness examples: "I was here first," I'd like more coffee, please," "Excuse me, but I have another appointment," "Please turn down the radio," or "This steak is well done, but I asked for medium rare."

9. Learn to be friendly with people you would like to know better

Do not avoid people because you don't know what to say. Smile at people. Convey that you are happy to see them.

10. Express your opinions honestly

When you disagree with someone, do not pretend to agree. When you are asked to do something unreasonable, ask for an explanation.

11. Share your experiences and opinions

When you have done something worthwhile, let others know about it.

12. Learn to accept kind words

When someone compliments you, say, "Thank you."

13. Maintain eye contact when you are in a conversation

14. Don't get personal

When expressing annoyance or criticism, comment on the person's behaviour rather than attacking the person. For example: "Please don't talk to me that way," rather than, What kind of jerk are you?

15. Use "I" statements when commenting on another's behaviour

For example: "When you cancel social arrangements at the last minute, it's extremely inconvenient and I feel really annoyed."

16. State what you want

If appropriate, ask for another behaviour. ("I think we'd better sit down and try to figure out how we can make plans together and cut down on this kind of problem.")

17. Look for good examples

Pay attention to assertive people and model your behaviour after theirs.

18. Start slowly

Express your assertiveness in low-anxiety situations at first; don't leap into a highly emotional situation until you have more confidence. Most people don't learn new assertiveness skills overnight.

19. Reward yourself each time you push yourself to formulate an assertive response

Do this regardless of the response from the other person.

20. Don't put yourself down when you behave passively or aggressively

Instead, identify where you went off course and learn how to improve.

Garrett Coan is a professional therapist, coach, and psychotherapist. His two New Jersey office locations are accessible to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Rockland County, Essex County, Passaic County and Manhattan.

He also offers online and telephone counselling services. He can be accessed at 201-303-4303.